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How to set IELTS entry scores

IELTS entry scores provide a powerful benchmarking tool for applicants, allowing you to screen test takers who do not have the required English language proficiency.

When setting the IELTS entry requirements for your university, college, or business, there are several factors that you should consider:

  • the English proficiency expectations for your organisation.
  • desirable skill sets of applicants.
  • the types of activities successful applicants will be required to perform, such as presenting, researching, or teaching.

You can set an overall IELTS band score requirement, as well as setting entry scores for each section of the test: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.

Band Score 7.5-9

Band Score 7.0

Band Score 6.5

Band Score 6.0

Band Score 5.5

Linguistically demanding academic courses

Acceptable

Probably Acceptable

English study needed

English study needed

English study needed

Linguistically less demanding academic courses

Acceptable

Acceptable

Probably acceptable

English study needed

English study needed

Linguistically demanding training courses

Acceptable

Acceptable

Acceptable

Probably Acceptable

English study needed

Linguistically less demanding training courses

Acceptable

Acceptable

Acceptable

Acceptable

Probably Acceptable

Band Score 7.5-9Accordion close

Linguistically demanding academic courses

Acceptable

Linguistically less demanding academic courses

Acceptable

Linguistically demanding training courses

Acceptable

Linguistically less demanding training courses

Acceptable

Band Score 7.0Accordion close

Linguistically demanding academic courses

Probably Acceptable

Linguistically less demanding academic courses

Acceptable

Linguistically demanding training courses

Acceptable

Linguistically less demanding training courses

Acceptable

Band Score 6.5Accordion close

Linguistically demanding academic courses

English study needed

Linguistically less demanding academic courses

Probably acceptable

Linguistically demanding training courses

Acceptable

Linguistically less demanding training courses

Acceptable

Band Score 6.0Accordion close

Linguistically demanding academic courses

English study needed

Linguistically less demanding academic courses

English study needed

Linguistically demanding training courses

Probably Acceptable

Linguistically less demanding training courses

Acceptable

Band Score 5.5Accordion close

Linguistically demanding academic courses

English study needed

Linguistically less demanding academic courses

English study needed

Linguistically demanding training courses

English study needed

Linguistically less demanding training courses

Probably Acceptable

IELTS scores guide

Request an IELTS Scores Guide for a more detailed breakdown of how IELTS scores reflect an applicant’s language ability. The score guide includes a range of videos and example answers from test takers which better demonstrate varying points on the 9-band scale. You will also receive comments from examiners, a booklet including a summary of the test format and assessment criteria, a survey to help you set score requirements, and general advice. Email us by clicking the link below.